Shock-shape alteration caused by interaction with organized structures

The dynamics of shock waves interacting with organized structures such as a vortex or a temperature spot are examined. In particular, the shock struct ure, i.e., its shape and velocity, is investigated. Approximate scalings in some asymptotic limits are derived for the shock displacement and velocity in terms of the upstream Mach number and the amplitude of the vortex or te mperature spot. Two sources of nonlinearity are identified, and their effec t on the dynamics of shocks are studied. Some light is shed on the incipien t stage in the formation of branch points.